2011 Dodge Avenger Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#5 most-complained of 6 Avenger years
The 2011 Dodge Avenger ranks 5th of 6 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Avenger years. It logged 209 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no reported deaths, with Engine issues topping complaint areas at 24%.
- Complaints
- 209
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 14 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
Top 2011 Dodge Avenger problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other57 (27%)
- Engine50 (24%)
- Electrical System44 (21%)
- Airbags35 (17%)
- Visibility & Wipers24 (11%)
- Seat Belts20 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (8%)
- Brakes16 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (7%)
- Steering10 (5%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in frontal and side crashes at speeds like 55 mph and 35 mph, sometimes with seat belts also failing to restrain occupants.
- Engine reportedly accelerated on its own while exiting a driveway, climbing from 20 mph to 40 mph without brake response.
- Steering wheel locked up during driving, leading to a crash into a fence at 30 mph.
- Hood latch and secondary latch failed after rust and prior repairs, allowing the hood to fly open while driving.
- Brakes and traction systems triggered warning lights alongside jerking and power loss, with one report of a burned battery cable box.
- Wheel bearings wore out repeatedly within months of replacement, contributing to a loss of control in one crash.
2011 Dodge Avenger recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Airbags1,435,625 vehicles
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
- NHTSA 13V282000Jul 2, 2013Airbags442,320 vehicles
Air bags
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
- NHTSA 11V315000Jun 8, 2011Steering11,096 vehicles
Steering:column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2011 Dodge Avenger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger reliable?
- Compared to other Avenger model years, the 2011 has the lowest Complaint Index besides 2010, at 20, and carries a "Best" verdict among the years tracked. It had 209 complaints and 3 recalls, with no reported deaths.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 24% of complaints (50 total), with a median failure mileage of 74,552.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Avenger, covering airbags (two separate campaigns, 16V668000 and 13V282000) and a steering column pivot issue (11V315000). None are listed as do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2011 Avenger compare to the 2012 and 2013 model years?
- The 2011 Avenger's Complaint Index of 20 is far below the 2012 model's 80 and the 2013 model's 100, both of which carry an "Avoid" verdict.